Vocational Training

Peace Fellowship Application Page

Each year, Rotary funds some of the world's most dedicated and brightest professionals to study at Rotary Peace Centers. Through training, study, and practice, Rotary Peace Fellows become leaders and catalysts for peace and conflict resolution; many go on to careers in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank.

"The world is in great need of more peace fellows who can work hand in hand with governments and communities to counterbalance the outbreak of war and conflict." – Abu Sufian Taj Elassfia, 2011-13 Rotary Peace Fellow

Applications for the 2016-17 Rotary Peace Fellowship program are now being accepted. The deadline for applicants to submit applications to their district is 31 May. Districts must submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July.

Eligibility requirements

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for professionals with work experience in international relations or peace and conflict prevention and resolution. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace.

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

Proficiency in English; proficiency in a second language is strongly recommended

Strong commitment to international understanding and peace as demonstrated through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service

Excellent leadership skills

Master's degree applicants: minimum three years of related full-time work or volunteer experience, bachelor's degree

Certificate applicants: minimum five years of related full-time work or volunteer experience, strong academic background

Eligibility restrictions

Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. And the following people are not eligible for the master's degree program:

Active and honorary Rotary members

Employees of a Rotary club or district, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity

Spouses, lineal descendants (children or grandchildren by blood or legal adoption), spouses of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parents or grandparents by blood) of any living person in these categories

Former Rotary members and their relatives as described above (within 36 months of their resignation)

Recipients of Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships or professional development certificate fellowships must wait three years after completion of the scholarship or fellowship to apply for the master's degree program.

Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the master's degree program must wait five years to apply for the certificate program.

Application process

See the steps you need to take to complete your application process.

Follow these steps to ensure that your application receives consideration. Find complete information about the process in the application and frequently asked questions document.

Read the entire application before you begin.

Thoroughly research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers.

Master's degree applicants: Collect all academic transcripts, test scores, and any other documents required by preferred universities as noted on the fellowship application. All supplementary materials must be in English. Certificate applicants: Academic transcripts or scores are not needed.

Inform your local Rotary district that you are applying for a peace fellowship, and request an interview. District endorsement is required to complete the application process. TIP: Your local Rotary club can help you connect with your district. Use Club Finder to locate the club nearest you. Club interviews and endorsements are strongly encouraged but not required for applicants who have district support.

Prior to interviews, fill out the application form, attach the required supplementary materials (test scores, academic or professional recommendations, essays), and submit them to your Rotary district no later than 31 May.

Complete an interview with district representatives. Districts must submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July.

Receive notice of selection results in November. If you are chosen for a fellowship, you will receive the name of the Peace Center where you will study.

Apply for admission to the university where you will study. Being chosen for a fellowship does not mean you have been admitted to the university.

Rotary Peace Centers

"The experience I had at the University of Queensland was absolutely priceless. I gained crucial theoretical insight and hands-on training from academic experts." – Paneta Beigi, 2010-12 Rotary Peace Fellow

Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers before starting your online application. You will be asked to rank the centers in order of preference.